For a very long time, granite has remained the most popular choice among the typical vivarium rocks. Its accessibility, inertness, and dated aesthetics have led to a decrease in the attention that many people give to other options.
Because it is inert, simple to cut into tidy, homogeneous pieces, and does not soon deteriorate, granite is relatively harmless to use in fish tanks.
In this article, I will demonstrate how to use granite, explain how to select safe stones for your fish tanks, and go through the top aquarium materials in my opinion.
Environmental Impact
Granite, like other igneous rocks, has little effect on water properties. Because granite is an inert stone, the roughness and PH values should remain constant.
If the rock is introduced to a softwater setting and the PH begins to climb, rusting iron minerals may be present anywhere along the surface. Remove the granite as soon as possible and properly clean the stone.
List of Rocks That Should be Avoided and That are Safe to Use
The rocks to ignore are the ones that are particularly calcareous, which means they contain a lot of calcium. Also, keep sharp-edged rocks away from your fish.
| Rocks to Avoid | Rocks to Use |
| Shells or crushed coral | Slate |
| Geodes | Quartz |
| Marble | Granite |
| Dolomite | Lava Rock |
| Limestone | Sandstone |
Using Granite in Aquariums
For a long time, granite has been among the most popular of the conventional vivarium rocks. Because of its accessibility, inertia, and old appearance, many individuals have given other alternatives little thought.
Granite is commonly used in aquariums because it is inert, simple to slice into tidy, uniform pieces, and does not wither away easily.
Advantages of Granite in Aquariums
Granite, like other igneous rocks, has no discernible effect on water properties. Because it is inert, the Ph values and hardness of the water should remain constant when placed in an aquarium.
If you put on granite to plain water and the PH begins to rise, remove the granite immediately and properly clean it since there may be rusting iron particles on the surface.
Granite is perfect for many vivarium species since it may thrive when totally immersed or above ground. It may also perform effectively in both soft and hard water.
Granite may be moulded into three dimensions, allowing bacteria and epiphyte-type plants to attach better. Sandpaper can also be used to smooth up the surfaces before breeding.
Granites are extremely difficult to fracture. Its ability to be sliced into smaller parts without breaking is one of the factors it is so popular in other industries.
It divides whenever it fractures, and combining breaking and cutting can be intriguing. Remarkably, granite can heat up and is perfect for preserving the heat of the fish tank when the heat lights have been turned off.
Furthermore, placing a piece of granite within the fish tank might provide a great spot for the fish to feed and rest. Although granite is an excellent choice for the fish tank, its thickness and leeching might be an issue in some cases.
Though granite is inert, each block has a unique mineral composition. More than one piece can be included in a single piece. One component may contain more iron compared to the other, which can be problematic in the aquariums.
Certain quantities of iron in freshwater can be favorable to plant growth in aquariums. High quantities of iron, on the other hand, can be fatal for sensitive residents.
Wash the rock to eliminate dust and loose particles before placing it in the tank, and check any granite rocks. A fast-alkaline test can guarantee that the pebbles do not contain any harmful metals.
Disadvantages of Granite in Aquariums
Aside from the apparent density disadvantages of dealing with Granite, leeching can be an issue in some circumstances. Despite the fact that this rock is mostly inert, no pairs of Granite share the same precise mineral make-up.
One portion of the stone may contain more iron than the other. Some metals, like as iron, are actually favorable to plant life in a freshwater environment. High quantities of comparable metals could be lethal to sensitive residents.
In the best-case situation, the rocks should be cleaned and tested before being used.
The Best Way to Wash Granite Rock
When purchasing a granite, you may be required to clean it before putting it in the vivarium. This is especially important in aquariums since dirty rocks could alter the color of the water.
Whatever style of aquarium you establish, there may be chemicals that can hurt your plants and fish. To be on the safe side, always wash the granite rocks.
Begin by filling a bucket halfway with cold water and putting the stone inside. Scrub each stone before re-dipping it in the pail of cold water. Rinse the stone again, then immerse it in clean, cold water.
If the clear water doesn’t really change color, the granite is safe to use in the fish tank. To prevent the granite breaking down or losing its beauty, avoid using chemicals, strong water force, or boiling-hot water.
Cutting off Granite for Aquarium Use
Granite has a toughness rating of six and is more difficult to crack than other varieties of aquarium rocks. A chisel and hammer set will be required to efficiently break it into smaller pieces. This package includes three digging chisels, a rock hammer, gloves, and a shovel set, among other things.
Granite rocks fracture into fracture bits, so don’t be concerned if you break them and don’t get flawless shapes. You may superglue the pieces back together if you try to chisel out arches or cave formations and they separate into undesirable bits. To cement the unnatural gap, sprinkle sand particles of a matching hue over the glued seams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does granite have an effect on the pH of water?
Some rock types, such as limestone, can neutralize the acid to some extent, while those who, such as granite, almost have no influence on pH.
Is it possible for bacteria to thrive on granite?
Although granite is inherently resistant to bacteria, this doesn’t mean it is immune to pathogens. Sealing granite prevents bacteria from growing in the microscopic fissures and pores.
What is the maximum amount of water that granite can absorb?
Granite absorbs between.8 and.01 percent, while marble absorbs between 0.8 and 0.01 percent.
Final Words
Granite rocks are suitable for aquariums. However, they can be quite hefty on the glass. Granite has a history when compared to other forms of aquarium rocks.
Despite the fact that it is not the thinnest, especially in big quantities, it has pleasant aesthetics that are appropriate for the enclosure. It is ideal for micro or Nano fish tanks since it can be cut into unique forms.
While adding rocks to an aquarium has become trendy, it is best to conduct some research to make sure your pick is fish and aquarium compatible before making a hasty decision.
Granite comes in a variety of colors, letting you to choose the finest one for your aquarium. Despite the higher maintenance costs, the benefits of granite exceed the few drawbacks.
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